In answer to the 20D vs E-1 question, I would have to say that the E-1 is a much better CAMERA. It has a professional feel and features that make it comparable to the 1D series from Canon. Obviously though in the digital age the camera is also the sensor, and the E-1 with it's "meagre" 5mp is getting a bit long in the tooth.. That said, I would rather suggest waiting for the D200 from Nikon, which effectively doubles your resolution from 5 to 10mpixels, while retaining similar body quality than going for the 20D from Canon. Even so the E-1 still has an edge over the Nikon in terms of pro features, such as the eyepiece shutter for long exposure photography, and a very large viewfinder for a 2x crop camera.
Other option is to wait for the 20D's replacement, due out in February 2006 and probably with a 10mpixel chip, again doubling your resolution. It will be cheaper than the Nikon, probably around $1300, and the $500 difference will buy you a decent lens. HOWEVER keep in mind that Canon's consumer range of cameras, though they have excellent image sensors and create very good hi res images, have a build quality is somewhat lacking, especially compared to the E-1. I am hoping that Canon will address this in their next offering, but am seriously doubtful.. Were I the owner of an E-1.. and were I not satisfied with the resolution.. and I didn't have a significant investment in 4/3rds lenses.. I might go for the D200 which offers similar quality, a jump in resolution and access to some world-class lenses.. I retain the advantage of the crop factor, and wide angle is possible with newer ultra-wide lenses built for this sensor.. I do not feel cheated in body quality, and have resolution to spare..
Last option is to see what Olympus have up their sleeves.. An E-1 replacement should be in the cards at some stage, and seeing as the E-300 and E-500 already sport 8mp sensors, you might get a 10mpixel in the "E-2".. It really depends all on how much money you have invested in 4/3rds lenses, which will ultimately swing your decision to stay with Oly or go to someone else. I personally admire the courage of Olympus in going for a totally new digital design, and really like the design and quality of the E-1, notwithstanding some of the criticisms that MR has (rightly.. but perhaps a bit too heavily) levelled at it. Will 4/3rds be around in another 5 years... Who knows.. but if it works for you and you're happy with it.. then wait around at least till PMA and PHotokina to find out what the future holds..
As for me... I was a 20D owner and so I opted for a 5D full frame camera instead.. and have the advantage of FF instead.. and do not regret that decision! Good luck for your decision.
